John Anderson's Page

I was out paddling with Phil at Swansea channel and we got to talking about stability and particularly why would you choose a kayak with low stability. It's a very good question and I thought I ought to answer it more fully here, from my rather limited understanding. If someone with a better understanding of the subject would care to comment, that would be most welcome.

Lets start off with the thesis that we want to use edging and leaning to assist in boat control and that these are good things… Continue

Well the fun's over for another year. Rock 'n' Roll has been and gone and didn't we all have fun. It was a great weekend. Good people, good atmosphere and great fun. I've managed to meet some more of my fellow clubbies and put faces to names on forums from all over the country. Aside from the fun this year, I had a secondary mission. I wanted to get in a couple of good paddles in the Valley Aquanaut RM LV and the Valley Nordkapp RM. Thanks to Rob, Sharon and Mark of Expedition Kayaks that missio… Continue

Simon, Sarah and I had a beautiful relaxing short cruise this morning. We launched from the reserve at Bonnells Bay just south of Dora Creek. Then we cruised down to the south around Balcolyn and Sunshine just enjoying the day and the simple pleasure of being out on the water. A little bit of paddling, a little bit of rolling, some gourmet snacks and some great company.

The southern half of the lake is much less developed and it's often a bit more sheltered if there's a northerly wind. There's… Continue

Only managed one short paddle on my holiday, for a variety of reasons. I couldn't leave Auckland without getting a taste of salt water spray and a brief feel of the wind in what's left of my hair. So I went out to Rangitoto Island for a sunset paddle with the guys from Fergs Kayaks. It's a pretty busy patch of water, and not being that familiar with it, I felt a guided trip would be a good way to go, especially as I dragged my brother along, who's paddling resumé consists of two hours at Port St… Continue

Julie and I went for a short spur of the moment paddle up Wyong Creek on Monday. Isla came along on my lap, intrepid adventurer that she is. It's a good spot for windy days as the creek banks and the orientation provide some shelter. The local canoe club meet there and do laps up and down the creek for training. They've constructed a small launch site with a treated pine retained cutting into the bank and a couple of easy steps down to a small sandy area. You can drive right to it and unload the… Continue